Can You Dispel a Living Spell?
A living spell cannot be dispelled by dispel magic as it is not considered a spell, but rather a magical effect that sustains the sentience and energy of the living spell. The rules of dispel magic clearly state that it only affects spells, and since a living spell is not a spell, dispel magic has no effect on it.
Understanding Dispel Magic
Dispel magic is a powerful tool in the world of magic, allowing casters to end ongoing spells that have been cast on a creature or object, temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, end ongoing spells within an area, or counter another spellcaster’s spell. However, dispel magic has its limitations, and understanding these limitations is crucial for effective use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Rules for Dispel Magic?
Dispel magic can be used to end ongoing spells that have been cast on a creature or object, to temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, to end ongoing spells within an area, or to counter another spellcaster’s spell. A dispelled spell ends as if its duration had expired.
2. Does Dispel Magic Work on Everything?
No, dispel magic only affects spells, despite its name, and does not affect magic items or magical effects that are not spells.
3. Can You Dispel Magic on Undead?
No, dispel magic does not affect undead creatures, as the magic that animates them is not a spell that can be dispelled.
4. Can You Dispel Magic a Summoned Creature?
Summoned creatures cannot be dispelled, but dispel magic may cause the caster to lose control of the summoned creature.
5. Is Dispel Magic a Dumb Spell?
Yes, dispel magic is considered a “dumb” spell because it only affects spells and does not affect other types of magical effects.
6. Can Dispel Magic Get Rid of a Familiar?
No, dispel magic does not affect a summoned familiar, as it is not a spell that can be dispelled.
7. Can You Dispel Magic an Awakened Creature?
No, dispel magic does not affect an awakened creature, as the Awaken spell takes effect instantaneously and the resulting intelligent animal or plant is a permanent result of the spell’s magic.
8. Can You Dispel Magic a Skeleton?
No, dispel magic does not affect a skeleton, as the magic that animates it is not a spell that can be dispelled.
9. Can You Dispel Magic Raise Dead?
No, Animate Dead does not use concentration and cannot be dispelled, and once the spell is cast, the dead are animated and there is no magic to dispel.
10. What Spells Don’t Affect Undead?
Undead are immune to spells like Finger of Death and Cloudkill, but can be affected by spells like Disintegrate.
11. Does Dispel Magic Get Rid of True Polymorph?
Yes, dispel magic can end the effect of True Polymorph on an object, but not on a creature.
12. Does Dispel Magic End True Polymorph?
Yes, True Polymorph is not permanent and can be ended by dispel magic.
13. What are the Limitations of Dispel Magic?
Dispel magic only affects spells and does not affect other types of magical effects, and it can only be used to dispel spells that are currently affecting a target.
14. Can You Dispel Magic on a Weapon?
No, dispel magic only affects spells and does not affect magic items, including weapons.
15. Can You Dispel Magic an Antimagic Field?
No, dispel magic has no effect on an Antimagic Field, as the field suppresses all spells and magical effects, including dispel magic.